Essential quantum computer component downsized by two orders of magnitude

Qubits, the key building blocks at the heart of every quantum computer, are extremely sensitive to interference and need to be shielded from unwanted signals, for example by using so-called nonreciprocal devices. But until now these devices were huge a...

Qubits, the key building blocks at the heart of every quantum computer, are extremely sensitive to interference and need to be shielded from unwanted signals, for example by using so-called nonreciprocal devices. But until now these devices were huge and produced unwanted magnetic fields themselves. Now, scientists have developed a new nonreciprocal device that is only a tenth of a millimeter wide, and -- maybe even more importantly -- is not magnetic.